San Jose Sharks Prospects Report: Labanc Paving The Way

With the All-Star break upon us, it’s a good time to check on some of the San Jose Sharks top prospects to see how they’re performing this season. One name that has really stuck out this year is forward Kevin Labanc, who has lit up the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).

Originally a sixth round draft pick of the Sharks back in 2014, Labanc is leading the OHL in scoring and that is no small task considering the top-end talent the league possesses including Matthew Tkachuk, Mitch Marner and Dylan Stome.

Despite their more heralded rankings, it’s Labanc who paces the league with 84 points (29 goals, 55 assists) through his first 43 games this season. Labanc’s efforts have elevated the Barrie Colts to the top of their division, and he’s performing at an even better clip than last season when he burst on to the scene.

After a mediocre first season with Barrie, Labanc exploded for 31 goals and 76 assists in 68 games a season ago. The 5-foot-10 winger could end up being a true steal for the Sharks if he continues to develop at his current rate.

Timo Meier Adjusting Just Fine

More from Blades of Teal

When it comes to top prospects with the Sharks, many consider Timo Meier, San Jose’s 2015 first-round pick, to be the best. Meier has had to adjust to some new surroundings as he was dealt from the Halifax Mooseheads of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) to the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies.

It was in Halifax where Meier developed into a high-level prospect with 44 goals and 46 assists in 61 games last season. This year, Meier continued to score at a high level, racking up 11 goals and 25 assists in 23 games before the trade occurred.

The change of scenery hasn’t slowed down Meier one bit as he has 12 points (seven goals, five assists) in his first eight games with the Huskies. Two weeks ago, we chronicled how Meier was ranked as the 16th-best prospect by ESPN’s Corey Pronman in his latest rankings, and he appears like one of the few prospects who could potentially see himself in a teal uniform next season.

Nikolay Goldobin Still Learning With Barracuda

Another former first-round pick is finding life a bit more challenging with the San Jose Barracuda. After going on a scoring streak earlier in the season, Nikolay Goldobin has cooled off as the Barracuda have dropped five games in a row.

That’s not to say that this experience hasn’t been good for the 2014 first-round pick as he adjusts to life as a professional and having to bring your game every night. In 31 games this season, Goldobin has scored 11 goals to go with eight assists and a minus-five rating.

It’s the defensive end of the ice where Goldobin is still learning how to play, but his offensive talents are undeniable. Once he figures out how to be a consistent player, look for him to be a contributor for San Jose.

Next: Joe Pavelski All-Star Primer

After a few seasons of not having many top-flight prospects in their system, it’s nice to see the Sharks with some promising young players in the pipeline.

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